Can Your Dog Eat Tortillas Safely? (Corn, Wheat, Flour)

There are many reasons why tortillas have become so popular in recent years. They can be used for a variety of dishes, they’re affordable, and they’re easy to store and prepare. Whether you like them with eggs and cheese or filled with your other favorite ingredients, tortillas are a versatile food everyone can enjoy. 

You may wonder if you should share this delicious treat with your dog. Since there are several different types of tortillas, we’ll explain what you need to know to decide if you want to give your dog a bite. Let’s jump into the facts!

Corn Tortillas

Corn tortillas are a flatbread made from masa harina, a kind of corn flour. They are popular in many Latin American countries and are often used to make dishes such as tacos and enchiladas. Corn tortillas have fiber and magnesium and can be made with just a few simple ingredients. They are made with just masa harina, water, and salt.

Dogs need magnesium for strong bones and teeth. Fiber is vital for keeping their digestive system healthy. Since they are low in sodium, you can give them to your dog safely along with a balanced diet. It would be best to limit how often you feed these to your dog. Feeding too many tortillas too often can cause rapid weight gain because they are high in carbohydrates.

Flour Tortillas 

There are many debates on whether flour tortillas are healthy or not. Many people believe that because they are made out of flour, they are loaded with carbohydrates and thus are unsuitable for dogs. However, in moderation, flour tortillas are not toxic to dogs, but they do not offer significant health benefits and should only be given occasionally, if at all.

They contain a small amount of essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron and magnesium. It depends on your dog; if there are any health concerns, avoid giving them flour tortillas. These are higher in fat than corn tortillas and carbs. If your dog needs to manage their weight, there are far healthier options than giving them a tortilla, even as a snack. A flour tortilla is not toxic for your dog. If your pup ate one, they should be fine as long as they don’t have gluten intolerance or celiac disease. If they do, they may experience discomfort.

Wheat Tortillas 

Wheat tortillas contain moderate amounts of fat and calories, so feeding them to your dog could cause weight gain. They should be fed in moderation, as they are no substitute for a proper, balanced diet. Your dog will not have any adverse effects from it if they are normal and healthy dogs, but dogs sensitive to gluten and wheat may experience adverse symptoms. Therefore, it’s also best to avoid them with dogs with stomach troubles. 

Wheat Allergies

Dogs can be allergic to wheat just like humans. Your dog shouldn’t have flour or wheat tortillas if they have a wheat allergy. A wheat allergy in dogs is similar to the symptoms in humans, such as itchiness, skin irritation, and diarrhea.

If your dog is diagnosed with a wheat allergy, the best thing you can do is to remove wheat from their diet. Many dog food brands offer grain-free options, and your vet can help you find the right food for your dog. With proper management, dogs with wheat allergies can live happy and healthy lives. 

Gluten Intolerance 

Dogs that are gluten intolerant should not have flour or wheat, but corn tortillas are okay in moderation. Though they share similar symptoms, wheat allergy and gluten intolerance are two very different conditions. Gluten intolerance is a digestive disorder triggered by ingesting gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. 

In contrast, dogs with gluten intolerance may be able to tolerate small amounts of gluten without experiencing any symptoms. Dogs with gluten intolerance may vomit or have diarrhea. So if your dog has these side effects after eating wheat products, it’s essential to consult a vet to test whether your pet has a gluten intolerance.

Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs 

Scottish terriers, Great Danes, and Irish setters are just a few dog breeds more likely to have a sensitive stomach. These dogs often do not handle grains well, and they may experience digestive issues if they eat food that contains wheat or corn. As a result, many owners of these breeds choose to feed their dogs grain-free diets. While grain-free food is more expensive than traditional kibble, it can help keep your dog’s stomach healthy and prevent digestive problems.

Conclusion 

Although there are better food options you can give your dog that offer many more benefits, tortillas will not harm most dogs. Make sure they eat a well-balanced diet, and avoid giving them tortillas too often to ensure they stay healthy. Feeding tortillas too often can lead to weight gain and other health risks. 

However, dogs with sensitive tummies or certain allergies should steer clear of tortillas. Many dog owners want to make their pup feel special, and there are several better alternatives, like healthy treats. If you feel more adventurous, you can even make your dog a healthy treat yourself. Your dog will feel like a king or queen.